Hi I'm in sort of a similar position. It might be helpful to hear my experiences and I'd appreciate any advice too. My ski levels is bottom end expert.
I had a bad twisting ski injury about 14 years ago which was not fully investigated (my own fault for not seeking help). It took about 9 months to settle and I continued to ski regularly without any problems for many years. This last season I fell (sadly on a wet green run while I was proudly looking backwards at my kids on their first season!). Got a partial MCL rupture and it transpires on MRI that I'd torn my ACL previously. I assume it was from that first injury seeing as it was the only other serious fall I'd had and had an instant joint effusion at the time. I can't help but wonder if the pre-existing ACL weakness had precipitated the recent MCL.
I had never worn a brace but now wonder if I should be wearing one whenever I ski or windsurf... The CTi Custom Fit sounds promising. Comments welcome. My orthopedic surgeon simply said "Stop skiing" which while sensible, is a lifestyle choice I won't take. He also says there's no firm evidence a brace will be protective in future.
So what I'm saying Megan is it might not be worth the risk of further injury (with a compromised knee awaiting surgery) to ski at this stage. Whether a brace will afford reasonable protection you should you decide to go ahead, maybe the surgeons can pitch in with their comments.
I'd be curious to know too. 9 months from my MCL, I'm planning on the Southern Hemisphere in July and if that feels ok and I still have two knees, Japan in December...
Best of luck
Chuck
> i am waiting to have ACL reconstruction surgery (it is a
> 2-stage revision surgery so i am waiting several mos after
> a bone graft in the fall). currently, sans ACL, i can run
> for short periods, jump and hop, ice skate, play capoeira,
> and so on, without needing to think about my knee much. the
> leg feels just as strong as the good one.
> i am visiting a friend next weekend and really want to go
> skiing with her. i am a strong skiier, though i haven't
> done it in several years. i know that torn ACLs are common
> ski injuries. i know that skiing isn't the smartest thing
> to do without an ACL. but... what if i stick to easy slopes
> and ski defensively and take it easy? for just one day? i
> know that it's risky, but ANYTHING is risky without an ACL.
> any advice as to how to gauge whether this is an ok risk to
> take?
> i have already talked to my surgeon, so i have a
> professional opinion, but i would love to hear any personal
> experiences with skiing on an imperfect knee.
> megan
